8th pay commission: Pay scales, risk and hardship allowances, hazard pay — What AIRF is seeking for Railway employees
The All India Railwaymen’s Federation (AIRF) has in a letter to the 8th pay commission, after their meeting with the panel during the Mumbai visit, reiterated demands made for Railway employees.
The letter briefed the areas of discussion during the meeting, noting that they have sought higher pay scales and risk allowances, with crucial demands for loco and traffic running staff.
8th CPC meeting: What was discussed?
The meeting began with discussions on the general issues such as minimum wage and Railway-specific allowances, while the second part focused on issues related to loco and traffic running staff, the third raised concerns for track maintainers and allied category of P. Way staff, and lastly on issues of technicians across Railway departments, it said.
“It was emphasized that the Indian Railways is unique, which cannot be compared to any other department of Union Government, because Railways operate round-the-clock, 24X7, throughout the year, in all weathers and climatic conditions, at different parts of the country having distinct geographical and environmental conditions,” the letter stated.
The federation added that the Railways are considered to be the “Second Line of Defence” after the Army because of the fact that, during Natural Calamities, war-like situation and Pandemic, it is the Railwaymen and the Indian Railways that serve the Nation on the forefront.
